On This Day in History, March 12

What Happened On This Day – March 12

1967 Suharto rises to power in Indonesia

His presidency, which lasted 31 years, was overshadowed by crass human rights violations and the occupation of East Timor.

1947 The Truman doctrine is proclaimed

In his speech before Congress, U.S. President Harry S. Truman defined his foreign relations priorities, which included military and economic support to Turkey and Greece to prevent the spread of communism there.

1938 Hitler invades Austria

The occupation of Hitler's homeland is known as Anschluss, which is the German word for annexation.

1930 Mahatma Gandhi embarks on his Salt March

The 240-mile march was an act of civil disobedience to protest the British monopoly on salt. It was one of the most significant events during the Indian independence movement.

1918 Moscow becomes Russia's capital city

St. Petersburg lost its status as the Russian capital following the Revolution of 1917, which dismantled the Tsarist autocracy.

Births On This Day – March 12

1979 Pete Doherty

English singer-songwriter, guitarist

1947 Mitt Romney

American businessman, politician, 70th Governor of Massachusetts

1946 Liza Minnelli

American actress, singer, dancer

1922 Jack Kerouac

American author, poet

1864 W. H. R. Rivers

English anthropologist, neurologist, ethnologist, psychiatrist

Deaths On This Day – March 12

2015 Terry Pratchett

English author

1999 Yehudi Menuhin

American/Swiss violinist, conductor

1955 Charlie Parker

American saxophonist, composer

1925 Sun Yat-sen

Chinese revolutionary, politician, 1st President of the Republic of China